Student, Environmental Laboratory (Administration/Field)

Duties/Responsibilities

• Works at the Region’s Environmental Enforcement and Laboratory Services (EELS), in various administrative related areas (e.g. sample receiving analytical laboratories, office administration) and at various offsite field locations (e.g. industry, spill sites, commercial establishments). Under the direction of management and qualified staff, carries out the following duties: 
• Plans, carries out, and documents field related outreach activities to support compliance with the Region’s Sewer Use By-law. 
• Accompanies and observes Senior Environmental Officers in the field at environmental spills calls, industrial sampling locations, drinking water sampling, and enforcement related meetings with local industry. 
• Assists with field related projects.
• Verifies samples received against submission forms; receives pre-logged samples in Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS); and labels samples, once logged into the LIMS.
• Transports samples to various sections of the laboratory and packages samples for shipment to subcontract laboratories, as appropriate.
• Assembles field supplies in response to sampling requests and provides support in maintaining field supply inventory.
• Formats and maintains Quality System documents according to EELS protocols.
• Archives out-of-date reference materials, records, and documents.
• Provides administrative support to the laboratory sections as required.
• Follows health and safety policies and procedures, including the wearing of appropriate PPE, and exercises precautions to mitigate risks when working with/around weather, dust, noise, machinery, construction equipment, chemicals, vibrations, confined spaces (awareness), and slippery surfaces.
• Operates and maintains vehicles, equipment, and tools used for own work in good working condition; advises supervisor or designate for additional service or repair. 
• Performs related duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge is acquired through current enrollment in a related university or college program (e.g., Science, Environmental Studies).
• Knowledge of laboratory and field related environment, safety protocols, environmental protection legislation, policies and practices, laboratory operations, field sampling techniques, and analytical report generation and data management.
• Knowledge of and ability to follow policies, procedures, practices, and legislation.
• Organizational and time management skills to work independently, verify the accuracy of data, and meet deadlines.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office, Access, and a LIMS. 
• Ability to read and apply information contained in various technical sources.
• Ability to create and maintain written and computerized records; write reports and summaries requiring the use of technical terminology; and create and edit detailed correspondence, reports, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate verbally with supervisor, co-workers, and occasionally with members of the public.
• Ability to participate as an effective team member.
• Must have a valid G driver's license (or G2 with 3 years of driving experience) and acceptable driving record to operate corporate vehicles. 
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

Additional Information

To be considered for employment as a student, a person must be: registered as a full-time secondary or post-secondary student in an accredited institution, or currently recognized as having full-time status by the academic institution but applying for a school vacation, practicum or work term, or returning to full-time studies in the next academic term. Students who are in their final year of academic study and who are not intending to return to full-time studies are eligible for student employment up until the time they convocate.  Students participating in education and retraining programs at the post- secondary level, though not full-time students, are eligible for related student employment opportunities, where appropriate.